SOO provides a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals 14 years of age and over. If you are interested in becoming involved as a volunteer and wish more information on how you can contribute, please contact our Registrar, Jane Larkworthy (dicknjane@rogers.com; 519-271-1422).

Individuals wishing to volunteer with SOO must complete a SOO Volunteer Registration FormAND submit a current (less than six month old) Police Record Check - Vulnerable Sector Search (PRC-VSS).

Volunteer Registration Forms are available in both on-line and downloadable formats. Please see the “Forms” page on this web site. Should a volunteer choose the downloadable option, the completed form is to be returned to SOO - Stratford & Area Registrar Jane Larkworthy (either by e-mail [dicknjane@rogers.com) or by dropping it off to 96 Nile Street, Stratford, ON, N5A 4C8)).

A current Police Record Check - Vulnerable Sector Search (PRC-VSS), also referred to as a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC), is required to complete the SOO volunteer registration process. Stratford residents may apply for this document through the Stratford Police Service (SPS) by either attending their office in person or by visiting the SPS web site (www.stratfordpolice.com). Applicants are requested to forward an original of this document directly to the SOO office (65 Overlea Blvd., Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P1; attention Farkhanda Shahid). Volunteer registrations will not be processed by the SOO office until a suitable PRC-VSS/PVSC is submitted.

SOO - Stratford & Area provides year-round sport training and competition opportunities in a variety of sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Sports give our athletes the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience the joy of sharing their talents with their peers, families and the community. As a grassroots, volunteer-based organization, SOO - Stratford & Area relies on the support and dedication of over 50 volunteer coaches, administrators, and event volunteers in order to fulfill our mandate.

Volunteering with SOO - Stratford & Area provides the opportunity to both make a direct impact on the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities and meaningful contribution to your community. Getting involved with SOO - Stratford & Area is also an opportunity for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to gain new skills for personal and professional development, gain opportunities for travel in Canada and abroad, share your love of sport, and experience the satisfaction of helping others develop and succeed - in sport and in life!

Your time and talents can make a difference in the life of a local Special Olympics athlete.

Types of Volunteers

1. Long-term (2 year minimum)

We occasionally require volunteers for our local Community Council. This requires a (minimum) 2-year commitment and includes attendance at monthly Council meetings.

2. Short-term (weekly for 4 to 6 months in the winter/spring; 3 months in the summer)

We often need winter/spring or summer season coaches and volunteers for a variety of sports. New volunteers may choose one or more sports of interest and help out or coach athletes weekly.

3. Short-term Events (1 or 2 days)

4. “Single Event” volunteers: Periodically we require volunteers to help with “single events” such as fundraising and/or sport competitions. In such cases, event organizers will have these volunteers complete and sign a SOO Single Event Volunteer Form.